The Rise and Fall of Tuskys Supermarket

Tuskys, once a prominent supermarket chain in East Africa, began as a small family-run store in Nakuru, Kenya, in the 1980s, founded by Joram Kamau. Through hard work, the business expanded rapidly, becoming a retail giant by the early 2000s, boasting over 60 outlets and employing thousands. However, internal conflicts within the Kamau family after Joram’s death in 2002 led to power struggles, financial mismanagement, and accusations of embezzlement. This infighting, compounded by fraudulent financial dealings and the collapse of their associated bank, Chatter House, plunged the supermarket into debt.

Despite attempts to restructure and adapt to e-commerce, the damage was irreversible. By the end of 2020, Tuskys was unable to pay employees or suppliers, leading to its eventual downfall. Its closure marked the end of a significant chapter in Kenya's retail history, leaving thousands jobless and competitors stepping in to fill the void. Tuskys’ legacy serves as both a cautionary tale of internal strife and an example of the challenges faced by family-run businesses in maintaining long-term success.